Clair Irline Baldwin

She spent most of her childhood and early adulthood in Michigan where she met her childhood sweetheart Walter, adoringly nicknamed “Bunny” and were married briefly before he tragically died soon after. It wasn’t too long before the Lord blessed her with her 2nd husband Bill Cunningham and moved to Washington state in the early 1960’s. There they raised all their children who until her passing day “rose up and called her blessed.”

She will be lovingly remembered and incredibly missed by her sons Chip (Laura), Ross (Gail), Clay (Deborah), Cal (Corinna), stepson Mike (Chris) and daughters, Vicki (Jay), Cindy (Billy), and Cori (Chris). She was looked up to and admired by her 2 remaining younger siblings brother Eddie (Scottie) Dunn and her sister Wanda “Shawna” (Ken) Rash and multiple nieces and nephews she loved so dearly. She was preceded in death by her baby brother Duane Dunn. She was surrounded by numerous grandchildren and to not name each one individually feels an injustice to the love and relationship she had with each of them. All honoring her in the final month of her life was a true testament to the faith and love she instilled in them which will live on in her 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Bill, who after raising 7 kids together became “snow birds” and part time residents of Bullhead City, AZ. This was where they enjoyed the “RV life” up until a few years before his passing in 1998 , also at Evergreen Hospice, where she would go on to volunteer for several years. In the final few years of his life, Bill gave his life to Jesus and Irline was able to finally enjoy the fruits of her faithfulness as she had prayed for so many years and was looking forward to reuniting with him in heaven.

She attended Lighthouse Foursquare Church in Kenmore for over 30 years where she extended her family with many church friends and the Lord blessed her with a wonderful husband, Bruce Baldwin. Bruce passed away in 2017 after creating a beautiful life and future for his, “Irish Princess” and who also bestowed upon us children another precious earthly father, who we called “Dad.”

Together they enjoyed being involved in missions through their church, traveling to Grenada and Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Their greatest mission together was in hospitality, opening their home many times to people who were less fortunate. Irline was the true definition of a “homemaker” and spent her life devoted to her family. From humble beginnings in Washington, she was always known to have a seat open at the table for a meal or fellowship and would always open her home at the holidays for those who might not have family or a place to go. She would give out of her limited means to bless others often and the Lord always provided for her and her family.

During these times she learned her love for garage sales and thrift stores, always looking for a bargain. She was constantly “redecorating” and rearranging her furniture around treasures she would find. She became an avid coupon clipper who took quiet pride in stretching every blessing. She was known for her constant humming which she knew to be the “joy of the Lord.” She had her worship music always in the background and a cup of co􀆯ee at the ready for anyone who might stop in. She was kind and caring with a wonderful sense of humor.

More than anything she wanted all her daily life encounters to reflect and show the love and grace of her Saviour Jesus Christ. We are certain that after she fulfilled her sweet promise to her sister to “dance around the throne 20 times,” she was reunited with others she missed so deeply and heard the words “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”